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      Arsenal 4 Hoffenheim 0: Heath helps Gunners bounce back from Barca loss as Eidevall’s aces trounce Bundesliga side

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      TOBIN HEATH bagged her first Champions League goal as Arsenal got their winning groove back in Europe by beating Hoffenheim 4-0.The USA star’s first-half strike and a Vivianne Miedema tap-in were among the efforts that saw the WSL leaders nab their first group stage win.
      Tobin Heath netted on the stroke of half-time for Arsenal as the picked up their first Champions League group stage winCredit: Getty
      The Gunners will take on Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals nextCredit: PA
      The result was in complete contrast to the 4-1 drubbing Arsenal endured away at Barcelona with the team moving up to second spot in Group C.
      After the match, Heath said: “Getting four goals today was a good response after the Barcelona game. 
      “We showed a lot of character, we came out with a singular focus. 
      “To be able to help with that to get a goal – especially the second goal – I feel like it’s an important goal to get a little bit of space, especially with the way Hoffenheim were playing.  
      “They played so direct and aggressive, so I think it was an important goal. 
      “I thought it was a good team goal too. It was a great cross and Viv (Miedema) put it into my path to be able to score. It was quality all around.”

      The Gunners began patiently with Hoffenheim getting off to a fast start with Nicole Billa sending her third-minute shot narrowly over the crossbar.
      And moments later Tine De Caigny looked to capitalise on a ball lofted in behind the hosts’ defence before being flagged offside.
      Arsenal began to take control and got off the mark in the 20th minute with Kim Little netting from the spot after Michaela Specht fouled Beth Mead in the penalty area.
      The Gunners would double their lead on the stroke of half-time with Heath slotting home in the box after Miedema nodded a ball from a Katie McCabe cross into her path.
      And the Netherlands goal machine got on the scoresheet tapping in Arsenal’s third after Jordan Nobbs’ thunderstrike stung the palms of keeper Martina TufeKovic.
      The visitors had a couple of good chances to score in the game’s closing stages.
      Katie McCabe cleared Sarai Linder’s header off the line in the 73rd minute
      Leah Williamson headed in Arsenal’s fourth goal against HoffenheimCredit: Getty
      Moments later Julie Brand forced an impressive reflex save from Manuela Zinsberger.
      And a Leah Williamson header saw Jonas Eidevall’s side wrap up a 4-0 win
      The result comes on a day the Gunners gaffer and Beth Mead won the WSL Manager and Player of the Month awards for September.

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      Tobin Heath shows off her footwork in training More

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      Everton’s Simone Magill named in Northern Ireland squad for England and Austria games

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      SIMONE MAGILL has been included in Northern Ireland’s 23-player squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against England and Austria.The Everton forward was out of action for the team’s 4-0 September wins against Luxembourg and Latvia due to injury.
      Simone Magill could be in line to play for Northern Ireland against England at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Kenny Shiels’ side will take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses at Wembley on October 23 in what will be England’s first match at the venue since a 2-1 loss to Germany in November 2019.
      The Group D clash comes eight months on from England’s 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland in February.
      Before the Wembley game Shiels, 65, said: “Our last match (against England) was at St George’s which was a much less intimidating stadium, but it was an experience  
      “We were short-staffed at that time, but it was a really good experience for everybody, and we are looking forward to this one.
      “I feel there will be a good verve about the place.
      “They (the team) will be wanting to try to keep their record in terms of what we have achieved in our last eight games. It’s been really phenomenal.”

      Northern Ireland’s duel with England will be followed by their home game against Euros 2017 semi-finalists Austria.
      Irene Fuhrmann’s side are currently second in Group D behind the Lionesses.
      And they crushed Latvia 8-1 and North Macedonia 6-0 in their first two World Cup qualifying duels
      Shiels added: “Austria were beaten on penalties in the semi-finals of the last Euros. Their academy system is the best in Europe in the girls’ game.
      “They have got a fantastic process going on over there. They are going to be one of the top teams in this group. They are going to be pushing England all the way.”
      Other WSL, Women’s Championship and National League aces in Shiels’ squad include Birmingham’s Rebecca Holloway, Durham’s Sarah McFadden, Liverpool striker Rachel Furness and Southampton duo Laura Rafferty and Ciara Watling.
      Durham’s Sarah McFadden (left) has been included in Kenny Shiels’ Northern Ireland squadCredit: Press Eye
      And Magill’s comeback could prove a welcome boost for Shiels’ side ahead of their upcoming games this month.
      The Toffees forward, 26, was on target with the winner in the first leg of a play-off victory that saw Northern beat Ukraine to qualify for the 2022 Euros.
      And the WSL ace netted six goals in 16 top-flight appearances for Everton helping them to finish fifth last term.
      Northern Ireland Squad
      Forwards: Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers), , Lauren Wade (Glentoran), Kerry Beattie (Glentoran) Simone Magill (Everton), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville).
      Midfielders:  Ciara Watling (Southampton), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran) Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Caragh Hamilton (Glentoran) and Joely Andrews (Glentoran), Rachel Furness (Liverpool), Sarah McFadden (Durham).
      Defenders: Demi Vance (Rangers), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), McKenna (Lewes), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Laura Rafferty (Southampton),
      Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).

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      Northern Ireland Women stars celebrate qualifying for 2022 Women’s Euros More

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      Juventus 1 Chelsea 2: Harder and Cuthbert net as Blues seal win on road in Europe against Juve

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      PERNILLE HARDER helped Chelsea thwart high-flying Juventus in an entertaining Women’s Champions League tussle in Turin.The Denmark captain and Erin Cuthbert were on target as the Blues bounced back with a 2-1 victory to nab their first win in Europe this term.
      Pernille Harder and Erin Cuthbert were both on target in Chelsea’s 2-1 win away at JuventusCredit: Getty
      Chelsea have moved to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg ahead of their game against Swiss side ServetteCredit: AFP
      On Harder’s efforts, Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “Pernille had an outstanding performance. She’s taken us to an even higher level. 
      “Her standards day-in, day-out are what every young person should look up to. I’m so glad she’s part of our squad.”
      Hayes added: “It was a difficult first half, but Erin drove inside and kept going like we know she’s capable of.
      “She’s another player who’s had a good pre-season, and took her chance and at this level, you’re not going to get a lot of chances.”
      The match in the atmospheric home of Juve’s Allianz Stadium saw ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro pitting his wits against Hayes for the first time since February.
      Coming into this game the Italian side, who are second in Serie A’s Women’s division, had won their first six top-flight encounters including a 2-0 defeat of Napoli.

      And while the Turin club began brightly, it was the WSL champs who got on the score sheet first.
      They did so through Erin Cuthbert’s surging run into the box from the right with the Scotland ace latching on to a Pernille Harder pass to slot home in the 30th minute.
      However, Juve, who looked dangerous through Lina Hurtig’s pace and their lofted passes into the box, refused to be bowed.
      And they equalised with a Barbara Bonansea volley moments later prompting a huge roar from the 16,781 strong crowd.
      The opening minutes of the second half saw Juve’s Christina Girelli unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty after going down in the box following a challenge from Magda Eriksson.
      Barbara Bonansea pulled a goal back for Juventus in the first halfCredit: Getty
      And the visitors piled on the pressure with Melanie Leupolz blazing a 58th minute shot over the bar and Harder shooting narrowly wide moments later.
      However, the Ballon d’Or nominee got her second goal in the tournament.
      The midfielder latched on to a loose ball following a one-two between Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby to bury Chelsea’s second.
      The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a wayJoe Montemurro
      Hayes’ players came close to snatching a third with 17 minutes of normal time remaining.
      This came with Sam Kerr’s long-range effort prompting a flying save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin to keep the ball out of the top-left corner.
      Joe Montemurro said the match was a ‘massive learning curve’ for his playersCredit: Getty
      The Blues, who take on Servette next in Europe, saw out the win to move to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg with Juve dropping to third. 
      Following the result, Montemurro said: “The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a way.
      “Chelsea found a way. We have to learn to make sure these moments don’t happen.”

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      Juventus vs Chelsea women’s clash in Champions League will have 20,000 fans present for Group A showdown

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      CHELSEA’S Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus could see one of the biggest crowds in the tournament so far this season. Tuttosport claims around 20,000 fans are expected at the clash between the WSL title-holders and one of the most feared sides in Italy’s top-flight. 
      Chelsea are looking to pick up their first win in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: Getty
      Juventus are currently top of their Champions League groupCredit: Zuma Press
      The match will see Emma Hayes go head-to-head with ex-Arsenal chief Joe Montemurro for the first time since her Blues beat the Gunners 3-0 in the WSL in February. 
      And last season’s Champions League finalists will face a side who achieved a new record for the most consecutive Serie A wins with 30 victories on the bounce. 
      Before the game, Hayes, 44, said: “This is Italy, it’s an amazing place to play football and an opponent we haven’t played in the Champions League yet.
      “We expect a tense atmosphere. My No1 goal is winning.
      “I’m looking forward to seeing Joe in what is always an epic battle between us both.”
      Blues skipper Magda Eriksson added: “Last time we played Juventus was three or four years ago, so you don’t play them very often which makes it even more special.

      “It’s exciting to see where you’re at compared to other top teams in other top leagues, so I’m excited by that.”
      Chelsea, who take on their rivals at 8pm in Juventus Stadium, sealed a 3-3 draw with Wolfsburg in their opening group stage encounter. 
      That result left them third in group A behind the German giants and Juve who are currently top after beating Swiss side Servette. 
      We are not expected to be anywhere near the class of Chelsea, but we will go out there and play a good brand of football. Joe Montemurro
      The Turin side, who are currently second in Italy’s top tier, are yet to lose a game in their domestic division after winning their six opening matches. 
      This evening’s clash will be the first time Montemurro has taken on opponents from England since his Meadow Park departure in May.
      Joe Montemurro reckons there is ‘no pressure’ on his Juventus side in their match against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And the Juve boss, who describes Chelsea ‘as one of the best organisations in world football’ reckons his side will face less pressure in the game with their visitors seen as match favourites. 
      Montemurro told BBC Sport: “The pressure is not on us. We are not expected to win.
      “We are not expected to be anywhere near the class of Chelsea, but we will go out there and play a good brand of football and say, ‘Juve is here’.”

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      Chelsea boss Hayes talks of admiration for legendary 80s AC Milan team ahead of duel with Montemurro’s Juventus

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      EMMA HAYES spoke of her joy at watching AC Milan during childhood ahead of Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus.And the Blues chief – who is half-Italian – is looking forward to her team’s test against a side coached by ex-Gunners chief Joe Montemurro.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes sees Italy as the ‘home of brilliant defending’ in footballCredit: Reuters
      The Chelsea boss grew up admiring the San Siro side in the late 80s and players such as Franco Baresi and Paolo MaldiniCredit: Getty
      Reflecting on her admiration of the Italian game, Hayes, 44, said: “I think Italians teams are notorious for having an unbelievable understanding of what it takes to win matches.
      “I have an Italian father and I have huge respect for Italian football.
      “I grew up with AC Milan in my house and watching the late 80s and 1990s group with [Franco] Baresi, [Mauro] Tassotti, [Paolo] Maldini and [Marco] Van Basten. Italy is the home of brilliant defending.”
      The WSL champs will take on an in-form Juventus outfit who are currently second in Italy’s top-flight behind Sassuolo.
      They have won their first six games in the Serie A Women’s division.
      Chelsea, who registered a point after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Wolfsburg, are looking to pick up their first win in the contest’s new group stage at Juventus Stadium

      Montemurro’s players are currently top of the group after their 3-0 defeat of Swiss club Servette with the Blues lying in third.
      Hayes added: “Juventus are a team that I have watched over the last few years.
      “I had a big interest when Eni [Aluko] was playing there and followed the team when Eni joined and watched their stature grow in Italian football.
      “I know with Joe’s experience they have a coach with a pedigree of working with top players.
      “This will be as tough a task as the one we faced against Wolfsburg.”
      Joe Montemurro’s Juventus are targeting their second win in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: Rex
      Montemurro’s Juve aces have set a new Serie A Women’s record of 30 consecutive wins in the division.
      The Turin outfit come into this game off the back of a 2-0 win against Napoli in Italy’s top tier.
      But in Europe, Montemuro, who left Arsenal at the end of last season, sees Chelsea and Barcelona as the yardstick for clubs to measure themselves against.
      I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other sideEmma Hayes
      The 52-year-old told BBC Sport: “Chelsea are one of the best organisations in world football, both men’s and women’s, their expenditure is well beyond what we could dream of.
      “The players they have are of world-class status, and they are playing in a tough league.
      “We want to be on this stage and be competing against the best. The more we can have these moments and these experiences, the better we will be.”
      Chelsea’s trip to Juventus Stadium comes days after five of the club’s squad made the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or awards. 
      Fran Kirby, Jessie Fleming, Magda Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr are among seven WSL stars in contention for the award.
      Hayes is proud to see five of her players on the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’OrCredit: Rex
      Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Manchester City’s Ellen White make up the other names from England’s top-flight clubs on the shortlist.
      Hayes said:  “I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other side.
      “They’re brilliant women who are exemplary at what they do and I’m glad to see them getting recognised for that and nominated.”
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Arsenal 3 Everton 0: Maanum and McCabe hit wonder strikes as Gunners move three points clear of Tottenham

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      KATIE MCCABE led Arsenal’s bounce back from a midweek drubbing in Europe with a glorious strike to help defeat Everton.The Republic of Ireland ace’s volley and Frida Maanum’s boomer were among the stunning efforts that sealed a 3-0 Gunners win.  
      Katie McCabe netted her third goal in three league gamesCredit: Getty
      Frida Maanum netted a wonder goal for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The strikes by the duo, watched by Arsenal legend Ian Wright who attended the game, looked worthy contenders for the club’s goal of the month competition.
      Boss Jonas Eidevall, whose team play Hoffenheim next, said: “We have quite a few of those players who have good, long-distance shooting (skills).
      “I think that really helps us because we are good at playing in behind. 
      “But when teams are dropping off against us, we know that we can create something from those shots. It was nice to see.”
      The Meadow Park clash began with both teams linking arms in the centre circle in response to abuse allegations made by players in women’s leagues around the world.
      Within seconds of kick-off, Arsenal, playing their first match after their 4-1 Women’s Champions League loss to Barcelona, went on the attack.
      Skipper Kim Little forced Everton keeper Sandy MacIver to turn her curling left-footed shot wide in the seventh minute.
      And Vivianne Miedema got the better of Hanna Bennison, playing in front of Eidevall for the first time since being managed by the coach at Rosengard.

      But the Netherlands striker saw her shot bravely blocked by Toffees centre-back Gabrielle George.
      And the WSL’s all-time top scorer saw another shot blocked seconds before Toni Duggan came close to capitalising on a loose back pass to Manuela Zinsberger.
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted until minutes after the half-hour mark before McCabe netted her goal of the season contender.
      The versatile Gunner sent a left-footed volley into the net over MacIver after controlling the ball with her knee.
      The hosts extended their lead with an unmarked Lotte Wubben-Moy heading the ball home from six yards out minutes before the half-time whistle.
      Lotte Wubben-Moy headed in Arsenal’s second goalCredit: Getty
      The second spell saw the visitors attempting to get a foothold in the contest.
      And stopper MacIver made a fine save in the 84th minutes following a left-footed shot from substitute Beth Mead.
      However, the hosts would go on to increase their lead courtesy of Frida Maanum’s thumper.
      The Norway midfielder smashed home Arsenal’s third goal from 25 yards out past an outstretched MacIver.
      The 3-0 result saw Arsenal go five games unbeaten in the WSL and three points clear at the top.
      And Everton, who play Man City in the league cup next, are currently eighth.
      Everton manager Willie Kirk wants his team to work on their passing to improve their options on the pitchCredit: PA
      Toffees boss Willie Kirk said: “We need to have a bit more belief in ourselves because there were passages of play where we played well.
      “We need to quickly learn that some of the passes we play give our team-mates no options.
      “We’ve got a lot of young players on the pitch. We need to develop that side of their game with experience.”

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      Man City starlet Stanway apologises for red card tackle and calls out trolls sending her abuse online

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      GEORGIA STANWAY has said sorry for a thigh-high challenge on Leah Galton which saw her sent off in the WSL’s Manchester derby.And the Man City ace has hit out at trolls who sent her ‘abusive messages’ on social media following the tackle.
      Georgia Stanway received abusive messages on social media after being sent off during Man City’s clash with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      The City ace was given a red card for a mistimed tackle on Leah GaltonCredit: Getty
      Ref Rebecca Welch gave Stanway her marching orders for a studs-up challenge which saw Galton hit the turf in the 35th minute of the clash.
      In a post published on her Twitter account this morning, the City starlet wrote: “I want to apologise for the sending off in yesterday’s Manchester Derby.
      “Everyone who knows me knows that I’m passionate and competitive. There was absolutely no malice intended and I’m glad Leah was OK and able to carry on with the game.
      “A huge thank you to my Man City teammates for the support and effort to secure a point. And to both sets of fans for creating an unbelievable atmosphere.
      “I made a mistake and hope everyone can accept my apology, but I shouldn’t have to log into social media and find myself subject to all sorts of abusive messages – remember we are all humans and mistakes can happen.”
      Khadija Shaw got on the score sheet for Man City after the team went down to ten playersCredit: Getty

      The incident saw Stanway plant her boot onto the Red Devils forward’s thigh after a miscued challenge.
      It happened as Galton was attempting to bring the ball down in a bid to dribble past the England starlet at United’s Leigh Park Village home.
      And the tackle saw Gareth Taylor’s side reduced to 10 players shortly before going a goal ahead in the match courtesy of Khadija Shaw’s header.
      Ellen White netted to help City get a draw against UnitedCredit: Getty
      But the Red Devils would take a 2-1 lead towards the game’s later stages with Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo scoring a goal each in five minutes.
      Despite being a player down City managed to snatch a point from the four-goal encounter with Ellen White netting to ensure a 2-2 finish.
      The result saw City pick up their first point in four Women’s Super League games after losses to Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.
      Last term’s title runners-up, who are currently ninth will take on Everton next in the group stage of the Conti Cup.

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      Man United boss Skinner dreams of luring Red Devils Prem fans to WSL and urges aces to play each game like a derby

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      MARC SKINNER dreams of seeing Manchester United’s Premier League fans heading to the Women’s Super League.The Red Devils face rivals City in today’s derby and have a perfect chance to steal some limelight — with the men’s team on an international break.
      Man United are set to play their first derby WSL game under Marc SkinnerCredit: Getty
      Skinner wants his Red Devils side to approach every game they play like a derbyCredit: Getty
      Skinner, 38, takes his spot in the Leigh Sports Village dugout for a first home clash with the Citizens since his July appointment as United head coach after Casey Stoney’s May exit.
      Last Sunday saw two WSL teams — Tottenham and West Ham — forced to play matches at exactly the same time as their Premier League counterparts.
      Skinner said: “What I hope happens is that fans come to the women’s game and watch the men’s match on their tablets while they’re watching ours.
      “We’ve got to get to a point where it feels like a really difficult choice on which United game you might need to be at if that’s what happens.
      “Having looked at these schedules and knowing how many times schedules change around TV games, it’s not easy to put a jam-packed schedule together so that we can have every supporter involved at the same time.
      “So, with these limited clashes, I want it to be a hard choice for our fans as to which game they go to.”

      Fourth-placed United’s duel with City also comes days after a Sky Sports survey revealed nearly 24 per cent of men now follow more women’s sport than they did 18 months ago.
      Skinner added: “We had Darren Fletcher watching our training session on Thursday morning.
      “It’s brilliant, they love it. They’ve been watching our games from afar.”
      United’s last WSL derby clash with neighbours City, ended in a humbling 3-0 loss for the Red Devils back in February, with Caroline Weir netting a wondergoal.
      But Skinner’s aces now host a City side ravaged by injuries and fourth from bottom after losing three of their opening four games.
      Gareth Taylor says his Man City will keep up the fight for more wins in the leagueCredit: Reuters
      Citizens manager Gareth Taylor said: “We’re suffering with injuries and really looking forward to getting players back.
      “For the meantime, we go with what we have, and we keep fighting. I think this is a great game for us.”
      Victory for United today would be a first-ever WSL success against City — although boss Skinner is keen for his side to adopt a derby mentality in all their fixtures.
      He added: “Where I’m trying to get this group to is a point where you raise your game for every occasion.
      “I don’t want to downplay the derby, that’s not my job. I just want us to play like it’s a derby every week, to make sure we bring that spirit.”
      As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.Marc Skinner – Man United Women’s head coach
      Skinner, who spent two seasons as head coach Orlando Pride, praised National Women’s Soccer League stars in the US for this week protesting against alleged abuse in their division.
      Players paused in the sixth minute of matches to link arms in a show of solidarity after two ex-players came forward with allegations of sexual coercion against their former coach Paul Riley.
      The ex-North Carolina Courage boss has denied the accusations.
      Skinner praised NWSL stars following their protest against alleged abuse in the leagueCredit: Reuters
      United gaffer Skinner said: “As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.
      “We must absolutely continue to practise safeguarding.
      “Fifa needs to be part of that, then it spreads throughout the whole of women’s football.”

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